Lausitz Brown Coal Plants in Germany. © Paul Langrock / Greenpeace

Fossil fuel phase-out

Fossil fuels — coal, oil, and natural gas — are major contributors to climate change, accounting for the majority of polluting emissions.

Join the fight

It’s time to stop the destruction

A water shortage in Arizona, record heat waves in the Pacific Northwest, and deadly storms like Hurricane Ida. People and wildlife are already suffering the consequences of the climate crisis. But this is nothing compared to what we’re leaving future generations if these trends continue. It’s time to stop the destruction. It’s time to create our clean energy future.

Fossil fuels are also poisoning our air, water, and soil. Air pollution from fossil fuels killed 8.7 million people globally in 2018. Pollution from natural gas infrastructure — including pipelines, drilling sites, and processing plants — has increased the risk of cancer for 1 million Black Americans. It has also contributed to 138,000 asthma attacks and 101,000 lost school days for Black children.

“Grey and Dirty” Action at Coal Power Plant in Turkey. © Jiri Rezac / Greenpeace

What can be done

Right now, the U.S. has an unprecedented opportunity to transform its energy system. It’s time to say goodbye to the fossil fuel dependent energy systems of the 19th and 20th centuries and embrace a 100 percent renewable energy future.

Momentum is building towards clean, renewable energy sources like wind, solar and geothermal. Big changes in how we produce electricity—like the growth in energy efficiency technologies and solar and the decline in coal power—make a big shift possible. Already, there’s enough wind energy in the U.S. to power 18 million American homes and the cost to install solar has dropped by more than 73 percent since 2006.

And this is just the beginning.

The decision is clear

A 100 percent renewable energy future is necessary not only for the climate, but also for local communities. Moving away from the current fossil fuel economy can make our communities healthier, reduce pollution, and create more and better jobs. It can take the burden off the backs of low-income and BIPOC communities that have borne the worst impacts of the fossil fuel economy. A 100% renewable future can ensure that our energy economy is one that works for everyone, not just fossil fuel CEOs.

Energy and utility companies are deciding now whether they will fight this progress or embrace it.